Deans Dino Blog

Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 21 of September 2024.

The summer like weather we are enjoying now coupled with rains earlier in September have really spurred on the fishing opportunities locally. It’s time to hit the water and enjoy the harvest season and the bounties that Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Here’s what’s going on…

Salmon:
The Fraser is officially closed to salmon fishing above the Mission Bridge until further notice. Do not despair other opportunities for salmon still abound locally. In fact all other rivers remain open including the Harrison, Vedder, and Stave. Please consult your fishing regulations for specific quota’s and openings. For quota regulations check out https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fresh-douce/region2-eng.html

The Vedder has been producing some nice Coho and Chinook already. Most anglers are targeting the lower river as the runs have just started. The mouth has been producing well on the slack tides with anglers working spoons and spinners. Others have been targeting the canal during low light conditions float fishing roe, jigs, wool combo’s and spinners.

The Dewdney Slough, Harrison, Stave and Chehalis Rivers should start seeing some fish in the next few weeks and for all accounts the numbers look strong and we should be in for a great season!! Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted.

“GRFA has decades and decades worth of knowledge when it comes to targeting salmon Fraser Valley. If you would like to learn more about this fishery or simply want to get out on the river for some salmon fishing we can help. Please contact Rick at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com and let us help you experience the thrill of salmon on the rod.”

Sturgeon:
GRFA proudly hosted the 2024 Jurassic Classic Sturgeon Fundraiser. Through the efforts of the The Wild Sheep Society of BC, Guide Outfitters Association of BC and the N. America Wild Sheep Foundation, this incredible event raises awareness and much needed funding for the plight of the Wild Sheep here in BC. Special thanks go out to the sponsors, donors and the volunteers that made this year’s event a smashing success, especially with all the struggles that the pandemic created. Not only did we raise a substantial amount of money for a worthwhile cause but the fishing was spectacular. With an overall weight estimate of over 19,000 pounds of sturgeon brought to hand over 2 days in 14 boats. Simply Awesome!

Although it can be a little to day to day the sturgeon fishing has been very consistent lately. With the end of the sockeye near, sturgeon have been very much fattening up for the lean months and you can really tell, most of them look like butterballs and are very girthy… almost all fish are 10 to 20 percent heavier than a month ago!! Good size average and decent numbers have been the norm lately.

Sturgeon have been primarily targeting salmon in the river. At the moment Sockeye and Chinook parts are definitely working however in another week or two they should really start switching over to Chum salmon as they ramp up their annual spawning run. Oddly as of late, coarse fish, such as pike minnows and pea mouth chub, have been seen outperforming salmon parts as sturgeon look for something else to tickle their palates.

Fish have remained fairly spread out and the norm has been a few bites per anchor drop and your best to keep moving to find feeding fish. Typically a half hour to 45 minutes per anchor location and then move somewhat, 100 feet can make all the difference at the moment. Also of note: some guides have been doing very well fishing the shallower edges of the holes, especially for larger specimens.

The river is very low and one really needs to be careful out there right now, we have seen a few boats high and dry on the gravel bars. Of particular note the old Five Fingers stretch of river (Wellington Bar to Bowmans Bar) is very touchy and a prop driven boat should steer clear of this area. Definitely want to keep an eye out for shallow bars and watch your sounders as your running even in a jet boat.

The Canyon is on fire at the moment and continues to produce both numbers and size on every trip! If you are thinking of running this special piece of water keep in mind that is very “heavy” water and not for the timid or unexperienced jet boater, especially in low water. Please be very careful! Also keep in mind that anchoring in the Canyon is much different than the lower river and one can find themselves stuck very easily as the big water surges and pushes their boat. If you’re interested in trying your hand at biggest of the big in one of the most spectacular venue’s in the world drop us a line and he’ll be more than happy to help organize one of our Ultimate Fraser Canyon Sturgeon trips with you. info@greatriverfishing.com

What better way is there to spend a warm autumn day than sitting in a comfortable covered jet boat waiting on another bite from the almighty sturgeon.  With limited fishing pressure on the river this is a great time of year to get out and experience these dinosaurs of the deep. We offer half and full day outing’s via jet boat with nothing but the finest in guides and tackle. We pride ourselves in ensuring your day is as comfortable, safe and enjoyable as possible. Whatever your speed, we will cater to your needs. Call or email today.

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